Multi-Orifice Spray Nozzle for Complete Wheat Head Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural sprayers face challenges in achieving complete coverage of vertically oriented wheat plant heads with fungicides, often resulting in incomplete coverage and excessive chemical wastage due to the overhead spraying method.
Innovation Solution
A spray nozzle assembly with a two-part construction, featuring a pair of discharge orifices that direct sprays from different angles and elevations during a single passage, utilizing a combination of annular and cylindrical passages to create leading and trailing spray patterns, and venturi air inlets to entrain ambient air and reduce particle drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overhead spraying is used with conventional agricultural sprayers, then the spraying operation is simple and fast, but the coverage of vertically oriented wheat plant heads is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is segmented into multiple discharge orifices (first and second discharge orifices) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each orifice discharges spray in a different direction, with the first discharge orifice targeting the front side of plant heads and the second discharge orifice targeting the rear side, thereby achieving complete coverage through segmented spray patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single overhead spray direction to multi-dimensional spray discharge by positioning discharge orifices at different heights, angles, and locations. The first discharge orifice is positioned to spray forward at an angle, while the second discharge orifice sprays backward, creating a three-dimensional spray coverage pattern that envelops the vertically oriented wheat plant heads
2Reliability
If overhead spraying is used to cover wheat plant heads, then complete coverage is attempted, but excessive chemical wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spray discharge is locally optimized for different regions of the plant head. The first discharge orifice delivers spray specifically to the front side of the plant head, while the second discharge orifice delivers spray to the rear side. This localized targeted spraying ensures chemical is applied only where needed on the plant foliage, reducing overall chemical consumption while maintaining complete coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly uses multiple discharge orifices that replicate the spraying function at different positions and angles. Instead of relying on a single overhead nozzle that wastes chemical on untargeted areas, the invention copies the spray discharge function across multiple orifices, each optimized for its specific discharge zone, thereby improving chemical utilization efficiency
3Reliability
If multiple discharge orifices are added to achieve complete coverage, then spray coverage improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discharge orifices and their associated spray deflection mechanisms are merged into a single integrated nozzle assembly body. The first and second discharge orifices, along with their respective spray patterns, are combined in one unified structure that mounts to the spray boom as a single unit, thereby achieving complete coverage without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates leading spray pattern from the first discharge orifice, generates trailing spray pattern from the second discharge orifice, and both patterns work together to provide complete coverage of wheat plant heads. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single nozzle assembly structure, improving coverage without requiring multiple separate devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables more complete and efficient coverage of plant foliage with reduced chemical waste by directing sprays from multiple angles and positions, ensuring effective application of fungicides while minimizing particle drift and wastage.
Implementation Method 1
venturi air inlets to entrain ambient air and reduce particle drift
Implementation Method 2
venturi air inlets to entrain ambient air and reduce particle drift
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A liquid spraying system comprising a plurality of spray nozzles mounted in dependent fashion a liquid supply boom that travels in a field in a direction of movement. The liquid spray nozzle each have a first liquid discharge orifice and deflector flange for directing discharging liquid at a first angle to the vertical in a leading direction, and a second discharge orifice and deflector flange for simultaneously directing liquid in a trailing direction from a different elevation and at a second angle to the vertical different from the first angle for complete coverage of plant foliage.